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Chickpea Cranberry Salad (Creamy Feta Dressing)

Chickpea Cranberry Salad (Creamy Feta Dressing)


  • Author: Lorenzo Devereaux
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Chickpea Cranberry Salad with Creamy Feta Dressing is the kind of bright, satisfying bowl that makes healthy eating feel like a treat. Tender chickpeas, juicy grapes, sweet dried cranberries, crunchy celery, and salty feta all come together in a tangy, lemony yogurt-feta dressing for a high-protein vegetarian meal that works for quick lunch, easy dinner, healthy snack time, or anytime you need new salad and dinner ideas. This easy recipe packs big flavor, keeps well for meal prep, and is perfect when you’re craving fresh food ideas that don’t feel fussy.


Ingredients

1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas drained and rinsed

1 cup seedless red grapes halved

1/2 cup dried cranberries

2 stalks celery finely sliced

1/4 cup red onion very thinly sliced

3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese divided

1/3 cup toasted chopped almonds or walnuts

2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill loosely packed

1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt

3 tablespoons mayonnaise

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon honey

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 small garlic clove finely minced or grated

1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt plus more to taste

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper plus more to taste


Instructions

1. Drain and rinse the chickpeas, then pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel so the dressing clings well and the salad doesn’t get watery.

2. Halve the grapes, slice the celery and red onion very thinly, chop the toasted nuts, and crumble the feta cheese. Finely chop the fresh dill and set everything aside.

3. In a medium bowl or small blender, combine the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Whisk or blend until smooth and creamy.

4. Stir about 1/4 cup of the crumbled feta into the dressing and mix again so tiny bits of feta are distributed throughout, creating a rich, tangy creamy feta dressing.

5. Add the chickpeas, celery, red onion, halved grapes, and dried cranberries to a large mixing bowl. Pour about two-thirds of the dressing over the top and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.

6. Fold in the remaining crumbled feta, the toasted nuts, and most of the chopped fresh dill, reserving a pinch of dill and nuts for garnish if you like. Toss gently so the feta stays in nice visible chunks.

7. Taste the salad and add more dressing if you prefer it extra creamy, or keep the remaining dressing to serve on the side. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.

8. Cover the bowl and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes so the chickpeas can absorb the dressing and the flavors meld.

9. Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss, garnish with the reserved dill and nuts, and serve slightly chilled on its own, over greens, or stuffed into pita pockets.

Notes

For the best texture, dry the chickpeas well and slice the celery and onion very thinly so every bite has a good balance of crunch, creaminess, and sweetness.

If you’re making this salad ahead, reserve a little extra dressing to stir in just before serving to refresh the creaminess after chilling.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 14
  • Sodium: 640
  • Fat: 24
  • Saturated Fat: 9
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 36
  • Fiber: 8
  • Protein: 15
  • Cholesterol: 40

Keywords: chickpea salad, cranberry salad, creamy feta dressing, healthy lunch, easy salad recipe, vegetarian dinner, meal prep salad, high protein salad, quick dinner, healthy snack, salad ideas